Secret Shopper Summary

At “North City Library” I encountered two staff members, one who was reluctant to embark on readers’ advisory and one who was helpful with the tools that she had at her disposal. Using a good leading question (“What are some books you’ve read recently that you liked?”), Novelist, and the library’s catalog, “Linda” helped me find authors that I might like since I enjoyed The Girl on the Train.  She talked to me about Minette Walters’ newest book and checked the library catalog to see if it was available in house or in their system.  

One thing my experience at North City Library helped me think about is the placement of the library’s “reference desk” and the location of those staff members who are prepared/trained to perform readers’ advisory.  North City Library’s fiction stacks are on the first floor, but the reference desk that I was sent to for readers’ advisory (after the first staff member didn’t want to take on my request) is on the second floor. Linda wasn’t able to accompany me to the stacks to help me search for books or show me the shiny, new titles available that day for check out.  For me, this is an integral part of the experience for both patrons and staff. North City Library’s process feels a little disjointed in this regard, but this was not a reflection on Linda’s ability to help me.

Although I would prefer a little more Novelist and catalog searching instruction with my readers’ advisory, Linda and I had an overall pleasant and productive conversation.  It didn’t feel like an “interview” but more like a talk about books amongst friends. Two thumbs-up to “Linda” for her efforts with my request late on a Saturday afternoon!